Q&A

Reader to Reader: What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?

For my birthday this year, a client got me a gift card to Starbucks, but I was really touched by the handmade birthday card telling me I had become one of her best friends and that she didn’t know how to thank me enough for always making her feel “fierce and fabulous.”Heather McDanielMaster Designs, Pensacola, Fla.

I had a set of sisters come in for manicures — the first time for both of them. One of the ladies picked out a bright red Gelish color. The next day her husband came by the shop to tell me how beautiful his wife’s nails were and to thank me for making her feel beautiful. It flattered me since most guys don’t pay that close attention to women’s nails.Megan ClingenpeelSassy’s Salon, Delphi, Ind.

When I was informing a long-time client that I was relocating more than 800 miles away, she said, through tears and following some other very nice things, “Lori, you are not just a nail girl to me.” Perhaps that is the nicest thing, because none of them are ever just clients to me.Lori McClurePolished Nail Salon, Arcata, Calif.

I had an elderly client who came faithfully for pedis every other week. After two years I was leaving the salon and on our last appointment she told me how much she loved my pedis and how gentle I was and how good her feet always felt. And then she told me what kept her coming back was my company! She thanked me for always listening and connecting with her. She was lonely and looked forward not to our appointments, but to our visits.Natalie BorquezNails by Natalie, Lancaster, Calif.

So many compliments to choose from but a few that stand out are: “How much for the therapy session?” “You’re like family!” And then I had two very special clients: A man called the salon and asked for pedicure prices, then asked for the cost if he only had one leg. I told him very politely that it would cost half. Later that week, he showed up and thanked me for being the only professional who didn’t laugh at his inquiry and treated him normally. And last but not least, I had a cancer patient who asked if I could do her nails after she passed. She said she wanted to be buried with a smile and my art always made her happy.Michelle CondeNails by Michelle, Miami

I once had a client who was dying, and one day as she was walking to the door to leave she turned to me and said, “I just want you to know how much I appreciate you.” I had a lump in my throat as it hit me this was the last time I would see her, and sure enough she passed away a couple of days later. I had done her French manicure for her funeral and didn’t even realize it.Cindy WalstonPortland, Ore.

A friend of mine overheard two women complimenting each other’s toenail art. After assuring each other that each had the best nail tech in town, they discovered they were both my clients.Julie Pecanty PerryStrands Hair and Nail Salon, Brookhaven, Miss.